The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 157

Olivia

Friday afternoon found us speeding along the Pacific Coast Highway, windows down and music playing. Alexander looked relaxed behind the wheel, one hand resting casually on the steering wheel, the other occasionally reaching over to squeeze my knee.

“So, are you going to tell me more about this Malibu house?” I asked, watching the ocean glitter alongside the highway.

“And ruin the surprise? Not a chance.” He grinned, sunglasses hiding his eyes. “Just trust me.”

“The last time you said ‘trust me,‘ I ended up zip–lining across a canyon in the island.”

“And wasn’t it exhilarating?”

“Terrifying is the word I’d use.”

Alexander’s phone buzzed with an incoming call. He glanced at the display before silencing it. “Work can wait until Monday.”

“Look at you, ignoring calls. Who are you and what have you done with my workaholic husband?”

“I’m evolving,” he said with mock seriousness. “Becoming a more balanced individual.”

“Uh–huh.” I wasn’t convinced. “Let’s see how long that lasts.”

“At least until Monday morning,” he promised. “This weekend is just for us.”

The Malibu house, as Alexander had modestly called it, turned out to be a stunning oceanfront villa perched on the cliffs above a private beach. Modern architecture blended seamlessly with the natural landscape, floor- to–ceiling windows capturing breathtaking views of the Pacific.

“This is incredible,” I breathed as we stepped into the expansive living room. The space opened onto an infinity pool that seemed to merge with the ocean beyond.

“Glad you approve,” Alexander said, looking pleased with himself. “Wait until you see the master suite.”

wasn’t kidding. The bedroom featured a king–sized bed facing the ocean, with a private terrace and an outdoor shower concealed by natural rock formations. The bathroom

house,” I said, running my hand along the

Carter,” Alexander replied, wrapping

asked, leaning back against his

swim…” His hands slid up to cup my breasts, thumbs

murmured, turning in his arms to face him. “But I think I’d like

recovered. “Your wish is my command. Beach first, then

and made our way down the private staircase to the beach below. The cove was completely

place?” I asked, digging my toes into the warm

available for the weekend,” Alexander said, watching a seagull soar overhead. “I

I repeated with a laugh.

advantages,” he said with

feeling the cool spray against my legs. “Race

behind me. Despite my head start, Alexander caught up quickly, his longer stride eating up the distance between us. Just as I reached the outcropping of rocks, his arms wrapped around my waist, lifting me

gasped through my laughter as

who got a ten–second head start,” he countered, setting me

ankles. Alexander’s eyes were

asked, suddenly self–conscious under his intense

how beautiful you look

into a kiss that started gentle but quickly deepened, his hands sliding down to cup my bottom and pull me closer. I felt myself melting against him, my arms wrapping around his

back,” he murmured against my lips. “Before I’m

be scandalous,” I agreed,

teased, taking my hand

“Hardly. Just common sense.”

villa, we spent the rest of the afternoon alternating between swimming in the infinity pool and lounging on the deck chairs with cocktails. By the time the sun

“Hungry?” Alexander asked, handing me a fresh towel as I emerged from the

I admitted, wrapping

Dinner should

Did you